A History of Ardstinchar Bridge, Ballantrae

Ardstinchar Bridge, which crosses the River Stinchar in Ballantrae and sits in the shadow of the iconic Ardstinchar Castle, continues to be a popular tourist attraction.

Papers in the Ballantrae Archive suggests that "the great road leading upon the coast by Ballantrae to Portpatrick" was discussed by the Commissioners of Supply in 1781. Bridges at that time were being constructed at government expense, but this did not extend to the expensive and difficult bridge over the Stinchar at Ballantrae. This was a county bridge, funded from bridge money and by subscription.

Building commenced in the mid-1770s and was completed around 1780 as part of the military road between Ballantrae and Stranraer. During the build, the masons faced considerable difficulty in forming the piers of the bridge. This was eventually completed at great expense, making it by far the most expensive bridge built by the Ayrshire commissioners in the eighteenth century.

Two separate stories exist regarding where the stones for the bridge came from - one that stones from Ardstincher Castle were used, however, the minutes of the commissioners record that the stones were brought by boat from a quarry at Culzean and were hewn on site.

In the early 1960s, when a new bridge carrying the trunk road was completed, there was concern that the old bridge would be demolished but, thanks to the intervention of Girvan District Council, it received a reprieve and was designated a right of way. Thereafter it would only be used by pedestrians. It was regarded then, as it is now, as one of the village's most attractive features frequented by local people as well as visitors.

Over the years maintenance of the bridge has remained a challenge. In recent years, the bridge fell into disrepair due to water erosion and closed to the public for safety reasons.  

Funding was allocated in 2024 by South Ayrshire Council's Ward Capital Project programme, which allowed the repair of previously installed scour prevention measures at the South Abutment and Central Pier of the bridge.

This reduced the risk of the foundations of the bridge being undermined in high river flow events and allowed the bridge to reopen. 

With special thanks to the Ballantrae History Group. Photo credit - Andy McAlpine